Victoria Lewis HNS Industry Ambassador

is a veteran plus size model who knows the industry well and through it all still manages to have a light hearted funny approach to the business. Here at HNS we love to laugh, especially at ourselves and that is exactly why we are so happy to have Victoria as an Industry Ambassador for Healthy is the New Skinny.

VICTORIA

“Smile and fake it until you make it with

confidence!”

You are a very funny person Victoria with a great sense of humor, what do you think is the funniest thing about plus size modeling? And be honest! LOL The funniest thing as in the weirdest thing in the plus size modeling industry is that plus size modeling starts at a size 6!  One thing you definitely have to laugh about is the body padding and fake breasts.  I would also say the first few times someone is styling you in underwear or a whole team of people see you in Spanx is pretty embarrassing.  I used to shoot a particular client and they would always have me shoot doubles with a model with DD breasts and I would have to double up on "chicken cutlets" so that we balanced out because I am a 38C.  My shoulders would be red & throbbing for hours after the shoot.  Another time I was shooting for a client and I had on so much padding that when I changed for lunch they didn't recognize me & thought I was some intruder trying to get a free meal!

“I had a German client tell me, "You look just like Heidi Klum!!  Well, a big, big, BIG version of Heidi."  Thanks...... LOL”"

If you could go back to high school and give yourself a message from the future what would it be and why? In high school, I hated everything that I love the most about myself now.  I hated being tall, I was taller than everyone!!!  I hated having freckles, no one else did.  I hated having big teeth, I was teased about it when I was younger.  I hated being curvy. At 5'11 and a size 10 & 160 pounds I thought I was HUGE, especially when it came to swim team and school dances.  I would say learn to love the things that make you an individual, as you get older you don't want to look like every Amanda & Tiffany you know.  It's boring!

Why do you like the message behind Healthy is the New Skinny? I love the idea of health being the best size for a woman, whether that is a 4 or a 16.  I think being under weight & being over weight are equally bad.  I think working out and eating healthy should be a priority in anyone's life.  It hasn't always been a priority for me and I have worked hard to gain those healthy habits and break the bad ones.  Well.....MOST of them. 

What changes would you like to see for girls in the future? I love the idea of women who are seen as "perfect", like models and actresses being real and showing young girls themselves without the crazy make up and hair and great lighting.  I want young girls to know that it IS all smoke and mirrors and that no one is perfect.  I would like there to be some sort of rules about photo shop in magazines and size diversity as well, especially in magazines aimed at young girls.  I would like more emphasis in school activities to be on young girls being smart and involved in sports & clubs rather than their value placed on their looks. 

You are never too old to SPARKLE!

“Life is too short to be your own worst enemy.  Are you the type of person that always puts yourself down, puts limits on yourself and hates the way you look?  Decide today that you will be your own best friend and be the best you can be to yourself.  If you can't see your worth, no one else will.  Smile and fake it until you make it with confidence!” - Victoria "

Victoria Lewis Height: Tall Size: Perfect ( if you ask her boyfriend he can’t get enough of her curves and beautiful smile. ) Representation: Wilhelmina Models NYC